Fanny Ardant (born 22 March, 1949) is an elegant brunette with striking features and a strong screen presence, who first gained international recognition in two films directed by Francois Truffaut, La Femme d’à côté (The Woman Next Door, 1981) and Vivement dimanche! (Finally Sunday, 1984). In the decades since, she has established herself as one of France’s most admired actresses.